MLB speeding up games

[TheRockawayKid]

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time: 

 

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game. 

 

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it). 

[umpstu]

How about there is nothing wrong with the length of the games. Tickets are unbelievably expensive and I would want to get my money's worth if I were a fan.  There is much more to going to a baseball game than just having a fast game.

[Replacematt]

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time: 

 

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game. 

 

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it). 

 

A. Switching balls doesn't take any time.

B. Not switching balls gives the pitcher an advantage.

[TheRockawayKid]

 

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time: 

 

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game. 

 

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it). 

 

A. Switching balls doesn't take any time.

B. Not switching balls gives the pitcher an advantage.

 

But balls aren't switched like crazy in the NCAA tournament, or in the minors. 

 

And yes, getting a new set of baseballs will often take longer than a play itself. From the time the last pitch, the umpire calls the ballboy over, he hands him the baseballs, the umpire looks at the balls and puts them back in... it's a good 10-15 seconds. Plus, that kills the flow of the game. 

[Magic]

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time:

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game.

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it).

A. Switching balls doesn't take any time.

B. Not switching balls gives the pitcher an advantage.

But balls aren't switched like crazy in the NCAA tournament, or in the minors.

And yes, getting a new set of baseballs will often take longer than a play itself. From the time the last pitch, the umpire calls the ballboy over, he hands him the baseballs, the umpire looks at the balls and puts them back in... it's a good 10-15 seconds. Plus, that kills the flow of the game.

The NCAA tournament is about money. If they had more money they would switch out baseballs more. The Minors is just that. When was the last time you saw anyone give a darn about a jv team? But Varsity teams have new balls run out constantly.

[lawump]

MLB wants their cake and they want to eat it too.  The #1 cause of increased game time lengths, IMHO, is the increased length of commercials during games that has occurred over the last few decades.  They just don't want to admit that publicly.

 

Of course, that committee that was formed to look at game times (as mentioned in the article) includes zero umpires, as I recall.  Par for the course with MLB.

[Richvee]

3 "time outs"?...per game? per inning? Offensive conferences? Catchers talking to the pitcher? You mean to tell me they're gonna stop an F2 from talking to F1 because he's out of "time outs?" Please!! Intentional walks FED style? Really?? Are there so many IBB that we need to change this? And how are you going to enforce 20 seconds to make a pitch if there's runners on base? That just seems ridiculous. Does the clock restart if he throws to 1st? What if he steps off? What if he feints to 2nd? Does the clock stop?  All asinine  ideas if you ask me. 

 

Keep the batter in the box, enforce the 12 second rule with no runners on base. No problem with 2:30 for a pitching change, or 2:05 between innings. Other than that, I think you're messing way too much with the game. 

[Jimurray]

The people in the stands don't care how long the game is. They will stay or leave depending. They already paid their money and you might lose a hot dog sale if the game doesnt hold them. MLB need to condense the tv games. Understandably it would take a little technology. Game starts, recording starts at whatever hour, tv game starts an hour later with whatever technology can condense the first hour and continue deleting the dead time. That would of course mean less time for the announcers to PISS US OFF. It's not the game it's the tv audience I think. Does anyone think attendance is down because of the length of the games?

[Richvee]

 Does anyone think attendance is down because of the length of the games?

No. And the flip side...Does anyone think MLB attendance will increase if games are an average of 10-15 minutes shorter? 

[Platejob29]

 

 

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time: 

 

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game. 

 

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it). 

 

A. Switching balls doesn't take any time.

B. Not switching balls gives the pitcher an advantage.

 

But balls aren't switched like crazy in the NCAA tournament, or in the minors. 

 

And yes, getting a new set of baseballs will often take longer than a play itself. From the time the last pitch, the umpire calls the ballboy over, he hands him the baseballs, the umpire looks at the balls and puts them back in... it's a good 10-15 seconds. Plus, that kills the flow of the game. 

 

MiLBuses pretty much the same standards for switching baseballs that MLB uses. If anything baseballs are switched out more in a MiLB because MiLB umpires are trying to show supervisors and league presidents that hey are on top of the game and switching up baseballs to check for cuts and scrapes in a baseball is one of the easiest ways to show that you are into the game and paying attention to the small details of the game. Most people want a fair game and don't want to give a pitcher any extra advantage by having a cut or torn baseball to put more movement on the ball.

[umpstu]

 

 

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time: 

 

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game. 

 

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it). 

 

A. Switching balls doesn't take any time.

B. Not switching balls gives the pitcher an advantage.

 

But balls aren't switched like crazy in the NCAA tournament, or in the minors. 

 

And yes, getting a new set of baseballs will often take longer than a play itself. From the time the last pitch, the umpire calls the ballboy over, he hands him the baseballs, the umpire looks at the balls and puts them back in... it's a good 10-15 seconds. Plus, that kills the flow of the game. 

 

So what?

[SteveJ]

I do not see a problem with the "Pace of Game Rules' they're trying out.......except for F2 talking with F1. Not sure how much it will help though - only time will tell.

 

 

New rules to be tested out in the Arizona Fall League after recommendations from MLB's pace of game committee:

 

• Batter's box rule: Hitter required to keep at least one foot in the batter's box throughout at-bat unless there is foul ball, wild pitch or passed ball -- or if a pitch forces him out or the umpire grants "time."

 

• No-pitch intentional walks

 

• 20-second rule: 20-second clock will be posted in each dugout, behind home plate and in outfield to prevent pitchers from taking too much time in games at Salt River Fields only.

 

• 2:05 inning-break clock: Maximum time allowed between innings, and batters must be in box at 1:45 mark or umpire can call automatic strike. If pitcher throws pitch after 2:05, umpire may call ball.

 

• 2:30 pitching-change-break clock: Maximum amount of time allowed for pitching change.

 

• Three "timeout" limit: Teams limited to three trips to the mound by managers, coaches and catchers during game, except pitching changes.

 

 

[DVA7130]

Stupid BS.

No pitch IBB?

This Is Professional Baseball!......

[scrounge]

I have no problem with anything on that list. The only one that I think will actually make any difference, though, IMO is the conference/timeout limit. The rest would be nice but not very noticeable.

[zm1283]

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time: 

 

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game. 

 

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it). 

 

So a batted ball that gets pool-cued off the end of the bat and puts a huge tear in the leather of the ball should just be left in play? A triple off of a hard part of the wall in the outfield that flat spots the ball...Just leave it in? 

 

Changing baseballs does not take any extra time. Intentional walks don't take any time because they rarely happen. The best ways to speed up MLB games is by enforcing the batter's box rule, limiting time between pitches without runners on, and cutting down on time between innings. (Like everyone said, that won't happen because of commercials)

 

MLB made their bed on this.

[James Walker]

Very doubtful it will change. MLB makes too much money off of it. Longer games equal more commercials. More commercials equal more money. And not switching the balls out regularly would be the dumbest thing ever. Have you seen some of the nasty junk these guys throw with unscuffed/uncut balls.

[Replacematt]

 

 

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time: 

 

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game. 

 

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it). 

 

A. Switching balls doesn't take any time.

B. Not switching balls gives the pitcher an advantage.

 

But balls aren't switched like crazy in the NCAA tournament, or in the minors. 

 

And yes, getting a new set of baseballs will often take longer than a play itself. From the time the last pitch, the umpire calls the ballboy over, he hands him the baseballs, the umpire looks at the balls and puts them back in... it's a good 10-15 seconds. Plus, that kills the flow of the game. 

 

 

How often do you see that being done when there's not a corresponding break in action?

[noumpere]

 Longer games equal more commercials.

Generally not true.

 

There's a commercial between innings and at pitching changes.  Many of the suggestions have to do with speeding up the game *during* the inning.  There would still be the same number of inning breaks and (presumably) pitching changes.

[gnhbua93]

They are trying to replicate what ALPB does without giving proper credit.

[zm1283]

They are trying to replicate what ALPB does without giving proper credit.

 

More like they're experimenting with similar speed-up rules in the AFL. The Atlantic League doesn't own those speed-up rules.

[cyclonehokiece]

They are trying to replicate what ALPB does without giving proper credit.

More like they're experimenting with similar speed-up rules in the AFL. The Atlantic League doesn't own those speed-up rules.

And the ALPB is applauding them.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TheRockawayKid]

 

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time: 

 

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game. 

 

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it). 

 

So a batted ball that gets pool-cued off the end of the bat and puts a huge tear in the leather of the ball should just be left in play? A triple off of a hard part of the wall in the outfield that flat spots the ball...Just leave it in? 

 

Changing baseballs does not take any extra time. Intentional walks don't take any time because they rarely happen. The best ways to speed up MLB games is by enforcing the batter's box rule, limiting time between pitches without runners on, and cutting down on time between innings. (Like everyone said, that won't happen because of commercials)

 

MLB made their bed on this.

 

If the ball isn't playable-- torn or dented -- I'd say they shouldn't be used. But I'm saying it's crazy to take a ball out just because it touched the dirt. 

[bds53]

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time:

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game.

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it).

So a batted ball that gets pool-cued off the end of the bat and puts a huge tear in the leather of the ball should just be left in play? A triple off of a hard part of the wall in the outfield that flat spots the ball...Just leave it in?

Changing baseballs does not take any extra time. Intentional walks don't take any time because they rarely happen. The best ways to speed up MLB games is by enforcing the batter's box rule, limiting time between pitches without runners on, and cutting down on time between innings. (Like everyone said, that won't happen because of commercials)

MLB made their bed on this.

If the ball isn't playable-- torn or dented -- I'd say they shouldn't be used. But I'm saying it's crazy to take a ball out just because it touched the dirt

A MLB pitcher can do a lot with a baseball that may have a slight scuff on it. Kids at the amateur level don't even know what to do with a baseball that has a cut or scrape in it. It's a big difference. It may be excessive at times, but it is necessary to avoid giving the pitcher an advantage that they wouldn't have normally.

[MidAmUmp]

 

 

So MLB wants to speed up baseball games. There are some interesting suggestions, but I feel as if they're leaving off the easiest way to shave off about a minute at a time: 

 

Limit the baseball switching by the plate umpire. Watch a half-inning. Is there a bunt? Ball gets switched out. Easy pop fly? New baseball. Ball scrapes the ground? Time to switch it out. This all comes to a head when, with a 2-1 count, the ballboy has to come out to serve three new baseballs to PU. It absolutely kills the flow of the game. 

 

Perhaps the rule should be that, if the ball stays in play, use the ball you have. Obviously, if weather conditions aren't great, the umpire should have more discretion. But otherwise, use one baseball per pitcher per half-inning, unless the baseball goes out of play (I'll allow foul balls to be thrown into the stands, because returning them to play takes time and isn't worth it). 

 

So a batted ball that gets pool-cued off the end of the bat and puts a huge tear in the leather of the ball should just be left in play? A triple off of a hard part of the wall in the outfield that flat spots the ball...Just leave it in? 

 

Changing baseballs does not take any extra time. Intentional walks don't take any time because they rarely happen. The best ways to speed up MLB games is by enforcing the batter's box rule, limiting time between pitches without runners on, and cutting down on time between innings. (Like everyone said, that won't happen because of commercials)

 

MLB made their bed on this.

 

If the ball isn't playable-- torn or dented -- I'd say they shouldn't be used. But I'm saying it's crazy to take a ball out just because it touched the dirt. 

 

When pitchers are touching 95-100 and a ball hits the reddish brown pebbly/clay material (it ain't dirt) it's going to get scuffed potentially giving the pitcher an advantage.  If it doesn't get scuffed it's going to leave a red stain on the ball which the will help the batter pick up the rotation potentially giving the hitter an advantage.  Those are the 2 reasons a ball gets thrown out when it hits the dirt.

[Chris Hickman]

On all professional fields as well as most good college fields the ground around home is much harder than the infield. MidAm is correct...